Kolhapur Tourism Guide

Also called as Dakshin Kashi, Kolhapur is situated on the banks of river Panchganga. Kolhapur is the seat of Goddess Mahalaxmi and is one of the
Shaktipeeths. It is believed that after worshiping Lord Balaji at Tirupati, offering prayer to goddess Mahalakshmi is must to complete the whole
pilgrimage. The important pilgrimages of Kolhapur are Mahalaxmi temple, Jyotiba temple, Nrushinhawadi, Bhaubali, Katyani Devi Mandir, Kashi Vishweshwar
Temple, Bhavani Mandap, Gagangiri Math. Important tourist places of Kolhapur are Khidrapur Temple, Rankala, New Palace Museum, Khasbag Wrestling Stadium,
Vishalgad, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, Amba, Samangad Fort, Paargad, Bhudargad, Dajipur Sanctuary, Radhanagari Dam and hill stations like Gaganbawda,
Panhala.

Situated on the sacred confluence of Krishna and Panchganga rivers, Swayambhu Paduka of Dattaguru are worshipped at Nrusinhawadi. The place is named after stay of Shri Narusinh Saraswati. More Information

Jyotiba Temple is a personification of three gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha. An annual fair is held on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha. More Information

Tryamboli Devi Temple

Tryamboli Devi Mandir is located on a hill to the east of Kolhapur. According to the Karveer Puranas, Tryamboli (Trymbuli) is the younger sister of Mahalaxmi and due to a quarrel with Mahalaxmi; she left Kolhapur and settled to the hill. The fair is held on 5th day of Ashwin month.

Bahubali, Kumbhojgiri

Bahubali hill temples are located at 27 km on south of Kolhapur on Bahubali Hills, which are popularly known as "Kumbhojgiri". It is a popular site revered by both Hindus and Jains.

Katyani Devi Mandir (5 km from Kolhapur)

Katyani Devi Mandir is located on south side of Mahalaxmi temple and believed to be close relation with Goddess Mahalaxmi Mata. It is said that Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Rajaram used to visit this temple.

Kashi Vishweshwar Temple

Kashi Vishweshwar Temple is located near 'Ghati-Darvaja' to the north of Mahalaxrni Mandir and it is form of Pinda called Kashi Vishweshwar. According to 'Karveer-Mahatmya', it was visited by sage Agasti, Lopamudra, King Pralhada and King Indrasen. The ancient temple has idols of other Gods like Ganpati and Jyotiba.

If you are visiting Nrusinhawadi, don't miss beautifully carved sculptures of Khidrapur temple which is dedicated to Kopeshwar or Mahadev. Located on the
banks of Krishna River, the temple was built in 11-12 century by Shilahar. The temple has brilliant structure and spectacular carvings which shows the
specimen of ancient times. The entire temple rests on a semicircle platform with 92 carved stone elephants on which the temple is built. More Information

Rankala Lake is famous among locals for leisure activity on weekend. Boat riding facility is available here. Horse riding is also available on the bank of
the lake. More Information

New Palace Museum
(Timings: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm Monday Closed)

Also called as Chhatrapati Shahaji Museum, the museum is housed in Maharaja’s Palace built in 1881. The palace is built in Indo-Saracenic architectural
style on the Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road and was designed by the famous architect Charles Mant. The collection of the museum includes royal collection
of costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and silver elephant saddles. One section of the museum includes stuffed animals like Tigers, Tiger
heads, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, staring Wild Buffalo, Lion, Black Panther, Wild Boar, Black Buck, a number of other Deer varieties, and a Himalayan Black
Bear. The complex also has small Animal Park and lake.

Bhavani Mandap

Bhavani Mandap is the temple of Goddess Tulja Bhavani located behind Mahalaxmi temple. Shri Chhatrapati built this temple and palace for royal family.
Bhavani Mandap is very famous place in Kolhapur city.

Town Hall Museum
(Timings: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, Closed on Monday)

Located on Bhausingji Road, the town hall is Neo-gothic structure was built as the Town Hall in 1872-76 by Charles Mant. In this museum there are many
antique, beautiful paintings, war arms, sculptures in stone and sandal wood.

Khasbag Wrestling Stadium, Kolhapur

Kolhapur is well known for wrestling sports and Rajarshi Shahu Kashbag wrestling ground is one its kind in India. The typical round shape ground was built
by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The ground has the capacity to accommodate more than 10000 visitors.

Vishalgad Fort (76 km from Kolhapur)

Vishalgad Fort is located at 76 km North-West of Kolhapur, 60 km north-west of Panhala fort and 18 kilometers south of Kolhapur Ratnagiri road. It is
situated on the hills that divide the region into two parts viz Amba Ghat and Anaskura ghat. The fort originally named as Khilgil by the Shilahara king
‘Narsinha’ who built the fort in 1058 AC. The important spots of the fort complex are Amruteshwar Temple, Shri Nrusinha Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati’s
Vrindavan, Tomb of Hazrat Malik Raihan, and Samadhi of Great Maratha Warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande.

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum (Kaneri Math)

(Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm)

Located on outskirts of Kolhapur at Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum showcases the rural life of India with the help of wax
statutes. The main objective of the Project is to focus the history of self-sufficient village. There were 12 Balutedars (12 main profession based casts)
and 18 Alutedars, who provided equipment to all villagers useful in their day-to-day necessities of domestic as well as Agricultural life.

Kaneri Math is holy place with a Shiva temple with huge statue of Lord Shiva and Nandi. It is believed that a Shivling was installed by a Lingayat Priest
on a beautiful hill in the 14th century.

Amba
(65 km from Kolhapur)

Amba is situated on the tip of the Western Ghats and is a wonderful new holiday spot. With plenty of stunning scenery and forested area around, Amba is as
yet not cluttered with tourists. There is a beautiful two-hour long trek that starts from the forest leading up to the hill, to reveal a stunning view of
the Konkan and Deccan plateau. Within an hour's drive from Amba, you can reach Pawankhind & Vishalgad, both hallowed places in the history of the
Marathas. After returning to Amba, you can drive towards Ratnagiri to visit Marleshwar, Ganpatipule, Pawas & many idyllic beaches in the Konkan.

Samangad Fort
(85 km from Kolhapur)

Samangad fort was originally built by King Bhoj II and later in the year 1676, Shivaji Maharaj renovated its fortifications. This small but strong fort
located at height of 2600 ft. on an oval shaped hill. The fort is now in ruined condition remnants with some fortifications and water reservoirs.

Paargad
(28 km from Chandgad, 140 km from Kolhapur)

Paargad fort is located in Chandgad Taluka the south of Kolhapur. The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and appointed Tanaji Malusare’s son
Raiba to look after the fort. odays, descendant of Tanaji Malusare’s is staying and maintain this fort. The main attraction of the fort is a wonderful
bronze statue of Shivaji and a temple of Bhagawati Bhawani. The fort can be trekked from the village Morle which is connected by bus service from Dodamarg.
Other tourist spots of the fort are Maruti Temple, bastions, Gunjal Lake, Mahadev Lake, Phatak Lake, Ganesh Lake and Vithoji Malave’s Samadhi. The
surroundings greenery of the fort is another attraction of the fort.

Bhudargad Fort
(50 km from Kolhapur)

Bhudargad Fort is located near Paal village which is 10 km from Gargoti. The fort was built on a huge vertical rock by king Bhoj of the Shilahar family.
Some remains of the fortification, the Dudhsagar Lake, two Shiva temples, and a Bhairav temple are nearby attractions.

Panhala with an altitude of 3177 feet above sea level, this hill station is beautiful natures cape with a pleasant climate. Prime attraction of Panhala is
historical fort Panhala and nearby Jyotiba temple with 45 km. More Information

Gaganbawda is unexplored and lesser known hill station accessible from Kolhapur, Pune or Mumbai. Located in Sahyadri range of mountains, the fort is 55 km
from Kolhapur and 46 km from Kankvali. The tourist places in Gaganbawda are Gagangiri Math, Gagangad fort, Shri Ramling Temple and Lakhmapur Dam.
Gaganbawada is on edge of famous Karul Ghat and Bhuibawada Ghat which originate at the same place and go in opposite direction. More Information

Wildlife and Nature Trails in Kolhapur

Situated on the borders of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg, the thin forest of Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to bison, wild deer, chital, gawa and other wild
animals and birds. More Information

Radhanagari Dam
(55 km from Kolhapur)

Radhanagari Dam is a 100 year old dam built by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj on Bhogawati River. This dam is used primarily for hydro-electricity power
generation and irrigation purposes. The dam is located amidst scenic surroundings in the backdrop of thick forest covers. The dam location is a habitat for
many birds flora and many bird lovers reach here to see the spectacular bird species.

Cultural and Art Galleries in Kolhapur

This museum exhibits portraits and antique items of Actor Chandrakant Mandare at his residence, Nisarga Bungalow, Rajarampuri. Despite spending own funds
for the museum, Mr. Chandrakant Mandare handed over this precious museum to archaeological department of government.
More Information

Water Parks and Amusement Centres in Kolhapur

Located in greenery nature, Dreamworld Water Park is one of weekend spot Kolhapur to enjoy entertaining activities like games, family rides, speed rides,
Dragon rides, body rides, Tube ride, and horse riding. Kids Play Park is special sections for kids. The main attraction of the park is wave pool with ocean
waves and rain dance. The sky magic vortex park is also another attractive feature of the park. More Information

Gandharva Farm & Resort is Water Park with various rides, fun filled games and cultural programs. Situated on the outskirts of Kolhapur, it is spread
16 acres amongst bountiful nature and placid atmosphere. Water Park includes different types of Water Slides. Kids pool, rain dance, much more with
adequate facilities. This ISO certified resorts also provide special Discount Packages for School trip which provides exciting experience to hundreds of
student. More Information

Kolhapuri food is a paradise for non-vegetarian especially mutton dishes. Kolhapur is famous for quality mutton and perfect spicy recipes makes yummy
dishes like pandra rasa, tamdha rasa etc. It also do not disappoint the vegetarian people. In fact, Kolhapuri Missal,Onion Garlic chutney, Kolhapuri Bhanag
are famous all over India.

Kolhapur market is famous for leather footwear, leather purses, leather bags etc. Kolhapuri chappals are the famous handcrafted footwear made from
processed leather. These royal chappals are solid and with long durability.

Other Important Information

· Government Website for Kolhapur District : http://kolhapur.nic.in

· Shree Mahalaxmi Mandir Devasthan : 0231-2626147

· MTDC Office : 0231-2652935, 2659435

· Central Bus Stand : 0231-2666674

How to Reach Kolhapur

Nearest airport is at Pune with 240 km. Closet railway station is Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (KOP) and Miraj with 55 km. Kolhapur is well connected by road
transport to other cities.